ROW FIVE STONE ONE, ET SEQU.
5;1 ISHAK GOMEZ HENRYQUES 20 TYSHRY 5444
5;2 ABRAHAM GOMES HENRIQUES 5436
5;3 DEBORAH BURGOS 5418
5;4 DAVID....
5;5 MOSES COHEN DE LEON 26 ADAR 5453
5;6 DAVYD YEOSUSA DE LIDO 11 HESVAN 5445
5;7 ISHAK GABAY RISSON 15 NISAN 54....
5;8 YAACOB SON OF JOSEPH ET YAEL YSURUN MENDES 27 TAMUZ 5436
5;9 YOSIYAV REPHAEL SON OF DAVID CASTELLO 16 ADAR 5459
5;10
5;11 SARAH SIMHA ISRAEL DE PIZA 7 TAMUS 5438
5;12 SARAH ESTER PERA DE LEAO DE MOSEH PERA DE LEAO 16 ELLUL 5438
5;13 ESTER MENDES DAUGHTER OF JOSEPH MENDES 12 TAMUS 5440
5;14A ILLEGIBLE
5;15 ABRAHAM YDANA SON OF YACOB TDANA 21 HESVAN 5439
5;16 MOSEH HAMIS 10 NISAN 5440
5;17 MOSES SON OF JOSEPH MENDES 12 MENAHEM [5440]
5;18 YMANUEL CARCASONI 17 NISAN 5435
5;19 HAYYIM KATZ 14 SIVAN 5457
5;20 FOUNDATION ONLY REMAINS
5;21 FOUNDATION ONLY REMAINS
Friday, 28 December 2007
Tuesday, 25 December 2007
CARERRA BOOK ROW FOUR
ROW FOUR
4;1 GRACIA DAUGHTER OF SEMUEL ABOAB CARDOZO 10 TEBET 5453
4;2 YSHAK DE AZEVEDO 5450
4;3 ILLEGIBLE
4;4 MOSEH BARUH HENRIQUES SON OF ABRAHAM BARUH HENRIQUES 7 AB 5452
4;5 ILLEGIBLE
4;6 IS A TRIPLE BURIAL MARKED WITH ONE STONE: OFFSPRING OF ABRAHAM BARUH HENRIQUES:
A. YSHAC HESVAN 5453
B. HUA 6 AB 5452
C. ABRAHAM 27 TISHRI 5456
4;7 ABRAHAM SON OF JOSEPH SENIOR 9 HIYAR 5439
4;8 [SARAH] DAUGHTER OF S.....AND ESTER SUA[RES] 5456
4;9 ILLEGIBLE
4;10 ILLEGIBLE
4; 11 ILLEGIBLE
4;12 ILLEGIBLE
4;13 ILLEGIBLE
4;14 ILLEGIBLE
4;15 ILLEGIBLE
4;16 ILLEGIBLE
4;17 ILLEGIBLE
4;1 GRACIA DAUGHTER OF SEMUEL ABOAB CARDOZO 10 TEBET 5453
4;2 YSHAK DE AZEVEDO 5450
4;3 ILLEGIBLE
4;4 MOSEH BARUH HENRIQUES SON OF ABRAHAM BARUH HENRIQUES 7 AB 5452
4;5 ILLEGIBLE
4;6 IS A TRIPLE BURIAL MARKED WITH ONE STONE: OFFSPRING OF ABRAHAM BARUH HENRIQUES:
A. YSHAC HESVAN 5453
B. HUA 6 AB 5452
C. ABRAHAM 27 TISHRI 5456
4;7 ABRAHAM SON OF JOSEPH SENIOR 9 HIYAR 5439
4;8 [SARAH] DAUGHTER OF S.....AND ESTER SUA[RES] 5456
4;9 ILLEGIBLE
4;10 ILLEGIBLE
4; 11 ILLEGIBLE
4;12 ILLEGIBLE
4;13 ILLEGIBLE
4;14 ILLEGIBLE
4;15 ILLEGIBLE
4;16 ILLEGIBLE
4;17 ILLEGIBLE
CARERRA BOOK ROW THREE
ROW THREE
3;1 RACHEL SARAH SENIOR 10 ADAR 5431
3;2 ARON GABAY 9 TISHRY 5430
3;3 MOZE RODRYGES SOARES 22 AB 5427
3;4 YSHAK....
3;5 DE H.....
3;6 YSCHACK RAFAEL PACHECO 20 HIYAR 5425
3;7 ESTER GAON 21 TISHRY 5427 [1666]
3;8 DEBORAH BURGOS 23 TISHRY 5448
3;9 SELOMOH TINOCO 24 KISLEV 5448
3;10 RAHEL ESTER HENRIQUES 11 SEBAT 5448
3;11 ARON GABAY RISSON 11 YIAR 5448
3;12 ILLEGIBLE
3;1 RACHEL SARAH SENIOR 10 ADAR 5431
3;2 ARON GABAY 9 TISHRY 5430
3;3 MOZE RODRYGES SOARES 22 AB 5427
3;4 YSHAK....
3;5 DE H.....
3;6 YSCHACK RAFAEL PACHECO 20 HIYAR 5425
3;7 ESTER GAON 21 TISHRY 5427 [1666]
3;8 DEBORAH BURGOS 23 TISHRY 5448
3;9 SELOMOH TINOCO 24 KISLEV 5448
3;10 RAHEL ESTER HENRIQUES 11 SEBAT 5448
3;11 ARON GABAY RISSON 11 YIAR 5448
3;12 ILLEGIBLE
CARERRA BOOK ROW TWO
ROW TWO
2;1 ISHAK BAR NAFTALI TEMPORARY STONE PLACED ON AN UNMARKED FOUNDATION.
2;2 ILLEGIBLE
2;3 ILLEGIBLE
2;4 FOUNDATION
2;5 NO STONE
2;6 ILLEGIBLE
2;7 ILLEGIBLE
2;8 JUDICA BURGOS 5544
2;9 ILLEGIBLE
2;10 ILLEGIBLE
2;11 EPHRAIM YESURUN HENRIQUES 19 TISHRI 5450
2;12 ABRAHAM DE MEDINA 11 NISAN 5452
2;13 HANAH DAUGHTER OF JOSEPH SENIOR 11 TEBET 5440
2;1 ISHAK BAR NAFTALI TEMPORARY STONE PLACED ON AN UNMARKED FOUNDATION.
2;2 ILLEGIBLE
2;3 ILLEGIBLE
2;4 FOUNDATION
2;5 NO STONE
2;6 ILLEGIBLE
2;7 ILLEGIBLE
2;8 JUDICA BURGOS 5544
2;9 ILLEGIBLE
2;10 ILLEGIBLE
2;11 EPHRAIM YESURUN HENRIQUES 19 TISHRI 5450
2;12 ABRAHAM DE MEDINA 11 NISAN 5452
2;13 HANAH DAUGHTER OF JOSEPH SENIOR 11 TEBET 5440
CARERRA BOOK ROW ONE
ROW ONE
1;1 ILLEGIBLE
1;2 RIBCAH FILHA DE ABRAHAM ET JAEL VALVERDE 11 AB 5447
1;3 MOSES AND ABRAHAM SONS OF ISHAK NAFTALI ASHKENAZI. ABRAHAM ON MARCHESHVAN 5459, MOSES ON 17 TEVET 5453
1;4 SARAH GABAY RISON 13 NISAN 5432
1;5 ILLEGIBLE
1;6 ILLEGIBLE
1;7 ILLEGIBLE
1;8 ILLEGIBLE
1;1 ILLEGIBLE
1;2 RIBCAH FILHA DE ABRAHAM ET JAEL VALVERDE 11 AB 5447
1;3 MOSES AND ABRAHAM SONS OF ISHAK NAFTALI ASHKENAZI. ABRAHAM ON MARCHESHVAN 5459, MOSES ON 17 TEVET 5453
1;4 SARAH GABAY RISON 13 NISAN 5432
1;5 ILLEGIBLE
1;6 ILLEGIBLE
1;7 ILLEGIBLE
1;8 ILLEGIBLE
Carerra Book Row Zero
Row Zero is the earliest Row of Graves:
STONE ONE: ABRAHAM ELIYAHU DA FONSECA VALLE P.P.K.K.N.I. (PARNAZ PRESIDENTE KAAL KADOS NIDHE ISRAEL) 14 ELLVL 5418 [1658]
STONE TWO; FOUNDATION ONLY SURVIVES, ALONGSIDE AND ABUTTING THE MUSEUM.
STONE THREE: SET IN WALL: ESTER DAUGHTER OF ABRAHAM AND RECECCA SEX. 17 MARCH 1705.
NO OTHER TOMBSTONES SURVIVE IN THIS AREA.
ALSO FOUND IN THIS AREA, NEXT TO FOUNDATION THREE, WAS AN ELABORATELY BURIED TERRACOTTA WINE JAR, CONTAINING THE FRAGILE REMNANTS OF TEFILLIN. THESE DISINTEGRATED ON EXPOSURE TO AIR.
STONE ONE: ABRAHAM ELIYAHU DA FONSECA VALLE P.P.K.K.N.I. (PARNAZ PRESIDENTE KAAL KADOS NIDHE ISRAEL) 14 ELLVL 5418 [1658]
STONE TWO; FOUNDATION ONLY SURVIVES, ALONGSIDE AND ABUTTING THE MUSEUM.
STONE THREE: SET IN WALL: ESTER DAUGHTER OF ABRAHAM AND RECECCA SEX. 17 MARCH 1705.
NO OTHER TOMBSTONES SURVIVE IN THIS AREA.
ALSO FOUND IN THIS AREA, NEXT TO FOUNDATION THREE, WAS AN ELABORATELY BURIED TERRACOTTA WINE JAR, CONTAINING THE FRAGILE REMNANTS OF TEFILLIN. THESE DISINTEGRATED ON EXPOSURE TO AIR.
Carrera Book Reconstructed
An important goal of the restoration, is to reconstruct to the degree possible, the carrerra (row) book of the cemetery. we know from contemporary sources that the old main cemetery was full, even though there were spaces with no tombstones. especially, the earliest part of the graveyard has many unmarked graves, or graves where the markers have disintegrated utterly.
The Carrerra Book for the main graveyard has been reconstructed by Evan Millner, and commences with the earliest burials. The numbering runs from the Courtyard, moving towards the outer wall along Magazine Lane.
The Carrerra Book for the main graveyard has been reconstructed by Evan Millner, and commences with the earliest burials. The numbering runs from the Courtyard, moving towards the outer wall along Magazine Lane.
Rex v Jacob Mendes de Breta
Rex v Jacob Mendes de Breta
The defendant being a Jew had an only daughter who was converted from Judaism and embraced Christianity whereupon the defendant turned her out of his doors and refused to allow her any maintenance. On complaint made to the Quarter Sessions the justices reciting that she was the daughter of the defendant and that he was a man able to maintain her ,made an order founded on the 43 Eliz c 2 7 that the defendant being very rich should allow her 20 pounds a month for her maintenance under the penalty of 20 pounds, but it not being therein alleged that she was poor the оrder was quashed. In a commentary however upon this case it is said that on her application for relief it was held she was entitled to none. But this case is now provided for by the legislature.
The defendant being a Jew had an only daughter who was converted from Judaism and embraced Christianity whereupon the defendant turned her out of his doors and refused to allow her any maintenance. On complaint made to the Quarter Sessions the justices reciting that she was the daughter of the defendant and that he was a man able to maintain her ,made an order founded on the 43 Eliz c 2 7 that the defendant being very rich should allow her 20 pounds a month for her maintenance under the penalty of 20 pounds, but it not being therein alleged that she was poor the оrder was quashed. In a commentary however upon this case it is said that on her application for relief it was held she was entitled to none. But this case is now provided for by the legislature.
inscription 6;1
INCISED SKULL WITH WINGS
RED SANDSTONE WITH WHITE VEINING
SA
BEM AVENTURADO VARAO
D..VID HIZKIYAH DE ACOSTA
FOY APANADO ASEUS
EM 20 DE .....5444
A..LMA GOZE DA BEM
AVENTURA...SA
~T'N'TZ'B'H'HYYM~
CROSSED SPADES.
RED SANDSTONE WITH WHITE VEINING
SA
BEM AVENTURADO VARAO
D..VID HIZKIYAH DE ACOSTA
FOY APANADO ASEUS
EM 20 DE .....5444
A..LMA GOZE DA BEM
AVENTURA...SA
~T'N'TZ'B'H'HYYM~
CROSSED SPADES.
inscription 8;4
DA BEM AVENTURADA
SARAH MULHER
DE AL BUENO DE .........E..
QUITA FALE.......5
[EL] LLV 5450
T.N.TZ.B.CH.
SARAH MULHER
DE AL BUENO DE .........E..
QUITA FALE.......5
[EL] LLV 5450
T.N.TZ.B.CH.
inscription 8;1 and 8;3 The Mercado Family Tree
Row Eight, Stone One
(next to David aphael de Mercado)
DE SARAH FILHA
DE DAVID DE ISHAC
DE MERCADO FALE=
=CEO EM 22 KISLEF
AO 5446
HNTN ZE LKCH SHMO MVORACH
ENJUNTAMENTE MO
SEH FILHO DE DAVID
DE YSHAC DE MERCA
DO FALECEV EM 23
ELUL 5449
This is a double inscription on a small, cracked stone.
The family connections are as follows:
Dr Abraham de Mercado arrived in Barbados from Recife in 1655.
he had three sons:
1. Isaac de Mercado came to Barbados from Amsterdam. In 1675 he appears on a list of the Gevirim of Amsterdam. It is his children who are buried here.
He had another son, called David, who inherited from his uncle David Raphael de Mercado.
2. Moses Hiskia de Mercado - He served as Gabbai of K.K.N.I., but emigrated, and is buried in Altona, 1692.
3. David Raphael de Mercado, who married Gracia Louzada.
There is a David de Mercado buried in New York, thought to be David Raphael Mercado's grandson, however, the discovery of a previously unrecorded tombstone next to David Raphael's complicates matters:
SA
Do bem Aventurado ~
David de Mercado que foy
Deos Servido Recolher
para sy Em 11 de Menhahem
anno 5457 que corresponde
a 19 de Julio 1697
Sua Alma Gose da Gloria
t.n.tz.b.h.
(next to David aphael de Mercado)
DE SARAH FILHA
DE DAVID DE ISHAC
DE MERCADO FALE=
=CEO EM 22 KISLEF
AO 5446
HNTN ZE LKCH SHMO MVORACH
ENJUNTAMENTE MO
SEH FILHO DE DAVID
DE YSHAC DE MERCA
DO FALECEV EM 23
ELUL 5449
This is a double inscription on a small, cracked stone.
The family connections are as follows:
Dr Abraham de Mercado arrived in Barbados from Recife in 1655.
he had three sons:
1. Isaac de Mercado came to Barbados from Amsterdam. In 1675 he appears on a list of the Gevirim of Amsterdam. It is his children who are buried here.
He had another son, called David, who inherited from his uncle David Raphael de Mercado.
2. Moses Hiskia de Mercado - He served as Gabbai of K.K.N.I., but emigrated, and is buried in Altona, 1692.
3. David Raphael de Mercado, who married Gracia Louzada.
There is a David de Mercado buried in New York, thought to be David Raphael Mercado's grandson, however, the discovery of a previously unrecorded tombstone next to David Raphael's complicates matters:
SA
Do bem Aventurado ~
David de Mercado que foy
Deos Servido Recolher
para sy Em 11 de Menhahem
anno 5457 que corresponde
a 19 de Julio 1697
Sua Alma Gose da Gloria
t.n.tz.b.h.
inscription 7;1
Row Seven, Stone One
DA BEIM AVENTV
RADA
E
GOZAZA
DE
DYAS SARAH
LOPES DE ACOSTA
QUE FOY APANHA
DA ASEUS POVOS
EN 5 DE HESVAN
DE 5441 SVA ALMA
GOZE DA GLORYA
DA BEIM AVENTV
RADA
E
GOZAZA
DE
DYAS SARAH
LOPES DE ACOSTA
QUE FOY APANHA
DA ASEUS POVOS
EN 5 DE HESVAN
DE 5441 SVA ALMA
GOZE DA GLORYA
Final Decline - 1869 onward
All alterations to the Rules of KKNI had to be approved by the Island's Attorney General, as the congregation was not incorporated, but existed by virtue of an Act of the Legislature, and the regulations governing the Congregation needed approval (see documents at the start of this blog).
On 6 May 1869, only 8 contributing members of the Kaal remained on the Island ( This is not saying there were only eight Jews on the Island - there were more, but they were not members of the Kaal)
These remaining eight were:
Michael berber Isaacs
Joshua Levi
Solomon Berber Isaaca
Jacob Lindo
Benjamin Lobo
Daniel Lobo
Benjamin Cohen d' Azevedo
Edward S Daniels
The Legislature of Barbados allowed that six trustees be appointed, 2empowered to convey the property to the London Congregation for its own uses"
cf. Deeds Registry, Bridgetown, Volume 337, folo 895 et seq. dated 22 July 1905
also Volume 106 of 'Powers' (of attorney folio 420 et seq.
The Sale to yearwood is recorded in the Deeds registry Vol 513, folio 294
On 6 May 1869, only 8 contributing members of the Kaal remained on the Island ( This is not saying there were only eight Jews on the Island - there were more, but they were not members of the Kaal)
These remaining eight were:
Michael berber Isaacs
Joshua Levi
Solomon Berber Isaaca
Jacob Lindo
Benjamin Lobo
Daniel Lobo
Benjamin Cohen d' Azevedo
Edward S Daniels
The Legislature of Barbados allowed that six trustees be appointed, 2empowered to convey the property to the London Congregation for its own uses"
cf. Deeds Registry, Bridgetown, Volume 337, folo 895 et seq. dated 22 July 1905
also Volume 106 of 'Powers' (of attorney folio 420 et seq.
The Sale to yearwood is recorded in the Deeds registry Vol 513, folio 294
The Mortar Mix used in the restoration
After some experimentation, Evan Millner arrived at the following variation of the standard English Heritage Spec. Mortar Mix for architectural reconstruction: This mortar mix would be suitable in any hot climate.
lime 1 part
stone dust 1 part
sand 1 part
1 teacup of seived wood ash
Wood ash as pozzolan is not problematic in the Barbados climate, due to the constant heat. (Wood ash generally absorbs water, and in for example the damp cold English Winters, would ruin the plasterwork).
I examined plaster on a number of ancient buildings around the island over the course of my stay, and all the plaster observed had traces of wood ash clearly visible, sometimes not even particularly well seived. Some of these plaster surfaces were hundreds of years old, yet had survived well.
lime 1 part
stone dust 1 part
sand 1 part
1 teacup of seived wood ash
Wood ash as pozzolan is not problematic in the Barbados climate, due to the constant heat. (Wood ash generally absorbs water, and in for example the damp cold English Winters, would ruin the plasterwork).
I examined plaster on a number of ancient buildings around the island over the course of my stay, and all the plaster observed had traces of wood ash clearly visible, sometimes not even particularly well seived. Some of these plaster surfaces were hundreds of years old, yet had survived well.
K.K.N.I. Bye Laws 1838 re: Graveyard
KAAL KADOSH NIDHE ISRAEL (K.K.N.I.)
1838
BYE LAWS
XXII
THAT NO DECEASED PERSON OF THE HEBREW PERSUASION, WHATSOEVER, SHALL BE DEPRIVED OF ALL THE RITES AND HONORS OF INTERNMENT, AND ALL CONNECTED THEREWITH, SAVE AND EXCEPT HE OR SHE HAVE BEEN GUILTY OF SUICIDE (SO DECIDED BY A CORONER'S INQUEST), OR IN ANY CASE WHEREIN HE OR SHE HAVE VIOLATED OUR FUNDAMENTAL JEWISH LAWS, WHICH VIOLATION SHALL BE DETERMINED ON BY THE OPINION OF THE CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS; NOR SHALL ANY ASCABAH BE SAID IN SYNAGOGUE, NOTWITHSTANDING THE SAID PERSON SO DYING MAY HAVE A LEGADO ALREADY PAID. BUT SHOULD SUCH A PERSON OR PERSONS AT ANY TIME ANNOUNCE TO THE WARDEN A DESIRE TO EVINCE CONTRITION, AND REPENT WITH HEARTFELT PENITENCE THEIR PAST TRANSGRESSIONS, THE WARDEN IS, NEVERTHELESS, HEREBY BOUND TO ATTEND TO SUCH AN APPEAL AND TO DIRECT THE OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION ACCORDINGLY.
XXIV
THAT NO GRAVE SHALL BE OPENED UNTIL THE ONE IMMEDIATELY PRECEEDING IT SHALL BE FILLED UP; NOR SHALL THE RIGHT OF BEING INTERRED NEXT TO ANY RELATIVE OR FRIEND BE GRANTED TO ANY INDIVIDUAL SAVE AND EXCEPT ON THE DEATH OF EITHER HUSBAND OR WIFE, AND THE SURVIVOR SHOULD WISH TO BE BURIED NEXT TO THE DECEASED, HE OR SHE SHALL PAY UNTO THE WARDEN, FOR THE USE OF THE CONGREGATION, THE SUM OF TWO POUNDS TEN SHILLINGS, CURRENT MONEY OF THIS ISLAND, IN CONSIDERATION WHEREOF, THE NEXT GRAVE SHALL BE RESERVED FOR HIS OR HER BURIAL PLACE.
XXV
SHOULD ANY PERSON POSSESSING SUCH RIGHT AS AFORESAID, DIE OFF THE ISLAND, THE GRAVE SHALL NOT BE TRANSFERRED, BUT SHALL REVERT TO THE SYNAGOGUE.
1838
BYE LAWS
XXII
THAT NO DECEASED PERSON OF THE HEBREW PERSUASION, WHATSOEVER, SHALL BE DEPRIVED OF ALL THE RITES AND HONORS OF INTERNMENT, AND ALL CONNECTED THEREWITH, SAVE AND EXCEPT HE OR SHE HAVE BEEN GUILTY OF SUICIDE (SO DECIDED BY A CORONER'S INQUEST), OR IN ANY CASE WHEREIN HE OR SHE HAVE VIOLATED OUR FUNDAMENTAL JEWISH LAWS, WHICH VIOLATION SHALL BE DETERMINED ON BY THE OPINION OF THE CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS; NOR SHALL ANY ASCABAH BE SAID IN SYNAGOGUE, NOTWITHSTANDING THE SAID PERSON SO DYING MAY HAVE A LEGADO ALREADY PAID. BUT SHOULD SUCH A PERSON OR PERSONS AT ANY TIME ANNOUNCE TO THE WARDEN A DESIRE TO EVINCE CONTRITION, AND REPENT WITH HEARTFELT PENITENCE THEIR PAST TRANSGRESSIONS, THE WARDEN IS, NEVERTHELESS, HEREBY BOUND TO ATTEND TO SUCH AN APPEAL AND TO DIRECT THE OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION ACCORDINGLY.
XXIV
THAT NO GRAVE SHALL BE OPENED UNTIL THE ONE IMMEDIATELY PRECEEDING IT SHALL BE FILLED UP; NOR SHALL THE RIGHT OF BEING INTERRED NEXT TO ANY RELATIVE OR FRIEND BE GRANTED TO ANY INDIVIDUAL SAVE AND EXCEPT ON THE DEATH OF EITHER HUSBAND OR WIFE, AND THE SURVIVOR SHOULD WISH TO BE BURIED NEXT TO THE DECEASED, HE OR SHE SHALL PAY UNTO THE WARDEN, FOR THE USE OF THE CONGREGATION, THE SUM OF TWO POUNDS TEN SHILLINGS, CURRENT MONEY OF THIS ISLAND, IN CONSIDERATION WHEREOF, THE NEXT GRAVE SHALL BE RESERVED FOR HIS OR HER BURIAL PLACE.
XXV
SHOULD ANY PERSON POSSESSING SUCH RIGHT AS AFORESAID, DIE OFF THE ISLAND, THE GRAVE SHALL NOT BE TRANSFERRED, BUT SHALL REVERT TO THE SYNAGOGUE.
Monday, 24 December 2007
Schomburgk on the Jews of Barbados
"According to the can appears that tlie earliest settlement of the Jews in this island dates from about 1628 A tomb is at present standing in one of the burial grounds bearing date 1658 Although they were occasionally subjected to persecution and oppression the policy they exhibited in keeping on good terms with the powers that were caused their civil rights to be extended in 1680 and their testimony which had been long rejected in the courts of law was from that time admitted in all civil suits though not in other cases upon in oath taken upon the five books of Moses according to the tenets of their religion The Colonial Act of 1 William IV cap 10 which passed the Legislature on the 25th of March 1831 removed any restraint or disabilities under which persons professing the Hebrew religion then Ubourrd and subjected them like other white persons to fines and penalties for the non performance of duties At one period the congregation consisted of a very large number but fmm deaths and many of the European families returning to England the number has been reduced The circumstance of their having so many"
"handsomest and most substantial buildings of its kind in the West Indies Its size is fifty feet long by forty feet wide and it occupies an area of 2000 square feet its cost amounted to 14,000 dollars about 2,920 which was met by the funds of the community without extraneous assistance from any quarter1 The name of the congregation is Kaal Kadosh Nidhe Israel or the holy scattered congregation of Israel The funds at present do not allow the payment of a salary to a reader and the service is therefore performed by three members alternately The congregation consists of a warden a killer and examiner of meats an officer who has the care of the synagogue and a total number of seventy individuals half of whom are natives of the island The expenditure is met by seat rents and voluntary contributions There is a public Sabbath school entitled Shangere Limud or the Gate of Learning which between the hours of ten and one o clock is attended by five females and ten males"
The following more detailed description of the synagogue is from the Barbados Glohe of April 1st 1833 It is thirty seven feet high and receives considerable strength from the rounding of the angles which are capped with large antique censers uniting a balustratcd parapet all round the roof being so little elevated as not to In perceived The windows are lancet shaped and tastefully harmonize with the proportions of the building a double flight of stone steps on the north side covered with a Gothic hood leads to the gallery within the whole of the exterior is lightly tinged of stone colour and scored out in blocks and the appearance altogether is classical and chaste those walls which had hitherto rendered the passage to the old synagogue so dull and sombre being now lowered so as to afford one general view of the whole at the entrance of the avenue The court yard around this edifice is well drained and neatly paved and a handsome marble fountain occupies a niche within the inner court railed otf by an iron trellis The interior corresponds with the outer appearance a light and tasteful gallery supported by neat Doric columns The reader's desk in the body of the edifice is sufficiently elevated give n conspicuous view of the persons officiating From the ceiling is suspended each comer in front of the gallery a single brass chandelier of eight lights and in centre one of a similar kind containing twenty four The area of the building paved in alternate squares of black and white marble and the ceiling painted in produces a most pleasing effect as well from the artist like manner in which it executed as from the chasteness of its design It is computed to hold about three persons"
Regulations of the Cemetery
Old ground belonging to the Portuguese Jews.
Description of the tombs.
Funeral ceremonies.
The old burying-ground belonging to the Portuguese Jews was first used for that purpose about the year 1657 in London, and at an earlier date in Barbados. In this ground the dead are interred in rows, a certain space being allowed for each grave. The spot contiguous to that last occupied, is used for the next person who dies, whether rich or poor; except in a few instances, where a burial-place purchased for a considerable sum has been reserved near the grave of some near relation. Many graves do not have tombstones. This is particularly the case in Barbadoes, due to the high cost of bringing a stone across from England. The earliest burials in Barbadoes do not , with a few notable exceptions, have Tombstones, and that oldest part of the graveyard has much open ground.
The same grave is never opened a second time, it being reckoned a most impious and sacrilegious act to disturb the ashes of the deceased. The tombs are some of free stone, others of marble.
The bye-laws of the synagogue direct that those of adults shall be six feet and a half long, three wide, and one foot and a half high, including the ledger-stone.
In Barbadoes these rules apply, however some tombs have variable heights, and have carved stone tombs.
The tombs of children are of the same height, but only four feet long, and two and a half broad . Some of the tombs are ornamented with emblematical devices , and basso relievos, representing portions of scripture history .
The inscriptions are principally in Hebrew and Portuguese, some are in English.
The funeral ceremonies used by the Portuguese Jews are as follows: When the body of the deceased has been washed and dressed, which, except for children, is done by persons of the same sex, it is put into the coffin, which is generally plain deal, or covered with black. It is then conveyed to a brick building adjoining to the cemetery, called a Hall, where those who attend the funeral, if the deceased is a male of more than 13 years of age, go seven times round the corpse, repeating a prayer . It is then carried to the grave; and being there deposited, the nearest relation of the deceased first throws in earth, the other attendants assist in filling up the grave, while the 91st psalm is repeated in Hebrew.
Persons who have been notoriously wicked are interred in a place apart from the congregation, without any funeral ceremonies.
There is a fund (arising from legacies which are recorded on boards in the hall) for assisting the sick poor at their own houses, and burying their dead; a certain sum to maintain the family during the mourning week , during which, the precepts of their religion do not permit the Jews to work.
Isaac Abraham Hisquiau Gabay Isidro, Rabbi of the congregation at Barbadoes, d. 1755, is buried in London, not in Barbadoes.
A 1661 petition against the Jewes
THOMAS VIOLET
Petition Against the Jewes, Presented to the Kings Majestie and
the Parliament
London, 1661
With Cromwell dead and the English monarchy
restored in 1660, many changes made under the
Commonwealth were reversed. Violet, London
goldsmith, sometime Alderman of the Corporation of London, and belligerent
pamphleteer with nativist and hard currency bees in
his bonnet, was determined that Cromwell’s very
recent readmission of the Jews should be high on the
“to undo” list. For the new regime’s benefit, he refers
back to Manasseh’s meetings in London in 1655-6:
“Upon several days hearing, Cromwel and his Councel
did give a Toleration and Dispensation to a great
number of Jewes to come and live here in London,
and to this day they do keep publick Worship in the
City of London, to the great dishonour of Christianity,
and publick scandal of the true Protestant Religion,
and to the great damage of the Kingdome, especially
our Merchants, whose Trade they engross, and eat the
childrens bread: and in the Barbadoes they do so
swarm, that had not care bin taken to banish them, in
twenty years they would eat out the English: but by
the care of this blessed Parliament they are within a
year to be banished thence.”
Violet’s petition backfired. The King let it be known that he was more
interested in measures to protect the Jews than expel
them. The threatened Barbados community was
reprieved, and, when New York soon became an
English possession, these domestic and colonial
precedents were applied there as well
Petition Against the Jewes, Presented to the Kings Majestie and
the Parliament
London, 1661
With Cromwell dead and the English monarchy
restored in 1660, many changes made under the
Commonwealth were reversed. Violet, London
goldsmith, sometime Alderman of the Corporation of London, and belligerent
pamphleteer with nativist and hard currency bees in
his bonnet, was determined that Cromwell’s very
recent readmission of the Jews should be high on the
“to undo” list. For the new regime’s benefit, he refers
back to Manasseh’s meetings in London in 1655-6:
“Upon several days hearing, Cromwel and his Councel
did give a Toleration and Dispensation to a great
number of Jewes to come and live here in London,
and to this day they do keep publick Worship in the
City of London, to the great dishonour of Christianity,
and publick scandal of the true Protestant Religion,
and to the great damage of the Kingdome, especially
our Merchants, whose Trade they engross, and eat the
childrens bread: and in the Barbadoes they do so
swarm, that had not care bin taken to banish them, in
twenty years they would eat out the English: but by
the care of this blessed Parliament they are within a
year to be banished thence.”
Violet’s petition backfired. The King let it be known that he was more
interested in measures to protect the Jews than expel
them. The threatened Barbados community was
reprieved, and, when New York soon became an
English possession, these domestic and colonial
precedents were applied there as well
Jews from London
There were Jews living in London as 'Hidden Jews', and a number of these Jews emigrated to Barbados, where the Council was more enlightened. The synagogue in Barbados was already built in 1654, London had to wait until 1657. Some names of London Jews whom we know moved to Barbadoes are:
Bernard de Caceres (Casseres) [fl.1661] settled in Barbadoes
Henrique de Caceres (Casseres) [fl.1661] settled in Barbadoes
Jacob Fraso [fl.1661] settled in Barbadoes
David Raphael de Mercado [d.1685] endenizened, 1661
1661 - the de Piza Family expelled
Around 1661, some Jews of Barbados, Isaac Israel de Pisa, Aaron Israel de Pisa, and their brother Abraham Israel de Pisa, who lived in Jamaica, said that they had discovered gold mines...their punishment was that they were expelled from Barbados.
In the Cemetery in Barbados, lies a tombstone to SY DE PIZA, who died on 7 ADAR 5444
i.e in 1683, who one presumes was related, but who was not expelled from the Island.
The inscription reads in full:
SA
DO BEMAVEN
TVRADO SY
DE PIZA FALE
CEV EM 7 ADAR
~5444~
In the Cemetery in Barbados, lies a tombstone to SY DE PIZA, who died on 7 ADAR 5444
i.e in 1683, who one presumes was related, but who was not expelled from the Island.
The inscription reads in full:
SA
DO BEMAVEN
TVRADO SY
DE PIZA FALE
CEV EM 7 ADAR
~5444~
1833 - Literary reference of Bridgetown's Jew Street
About this book Read this bookFOUR YEARS RESIDENCE IN THE WEST INDIES By SON OF A MILITARY OFFICER: "health or appetite Reader thou hast no idea of the pigs verily and of a truth these animals do thrive on the Barbadian soil and revel in the Barbadian canetops so the pork continues good and wholesome in spite of Jew Street and the Jews If"
October 1846 Election of Parnaz Presidente
August 1845 Shangarei Limmud School
Shangare Limmud School of Barbadoes.
We gave last year some account of this institution, which owes its origin to the want felt for the knowledge of religion, now so universally experienced among all classes of Israelites in America. Our readers will, we doubt not, be gratified to learn that it has admirably succeeded thus far, and that the examination which took place on the 11th of May resulted to the satisfaction of both Israelites and Christians, who attended at the Synagogue upon this interesting occasion. The exercises of the day were opened by the following prayer by the superintendent, Mrs. A. Finzi:
“O most High, Thou who reignest supreme; we invoke thee to look down upon us, and bless all our undertakings, but more especially this one, The teaching the knowledge of our divine religion, to the infant minds of our children.
“We beseech thee, O Lord, to lead them in the path of virtue; to imbue their minds with love for thee, and to infuse into their young hearts feelings of filial piety, brotherly love, and a just appreciation of the efforts of their class-teachers in their behalf. We invoke for them, O God, meekness, piety, wisdom, and willing hearts; that they may continue to inculcate into the spotless bosoms of the infants intrusted to their care, the true principles of our faith; and that they may be enabled to carry out with honour to themselves, and justice to their pupils, the very responsible duties they have undertaken to fulfil. And now, O God, we return thee our grateful thanks that we have been permitted to appear on this occasion before thee, in this thy holy temple, in health and strength. We thank thee for the manifold blessings thou hast bestowed on us, and we pray thee to accept this our heartfelt offering, for the sake of thy great and holy name.—Amen.
Several hymns, Hebrew and English, were then sung, after which the classes were examined by their respective teachers. Another hymn in English followed, when. A. Finzi, Esq. delivered an appropriate address which our limits prevent us from communicating. Several other addresses were delivered by Messrs. Mozley Elkin and Daniel Lobo, when, after another hymn sung by the children, the superintendent distributed prize medals to Miss Lobo of the first, Master Hannanel Lindo of the second, Master Edward Daniels of the third, and Master Edgar Lindo of the fourth class. Presents were also given to each of the children, for whom likewise refreshments were provided in the vestry room.
We condense the above from “the Standard,” published in Bridgetown, Barbadoes, the editor of which speaks in the highest terms of satisfaction of the exercises, and expresses much regret that a severe indisposition prevented him from attending. Two of the hymns sung by the children are the production of our townsman Mr. David N. Carvalho, and another one was written by Mr. A. Finzi.—We hope, in conclusion, that the teachers will continue to persevere, and to reap a rich harvest of success in their pious undertaking; and we will use this occasion to assure them, that our pages shall always be open for them to lay the report of their doings before the public.
4th August, 1844 Sunday School Exams
Sunday School of Barbadoes.
On Sunday, the 4th August, 1844, corresponding with the 19th Ab, 5604, an examination of the pupils belonging to the Sunday school “Shanare Limud,” took place at the vestry room, Synagogue buildings, on which occasion all the pupils, Superintendent, Secretary, and teachers were present, as well as the following parents and grand-parents:—Mrs. Sarah Lobo, senior, Mrs. M. C. D’Azevedo, Mrs. Sarah N. Carvalho, Mrs. Raphael Lindo, Mrs. Isaac Lobo, Mr. M. C. D’Azevedo, and Mr. S. E. Daniels.
The Superintendant, Mrs. Finzi, examined the first class, and by her request, Mr. Azevedo examined the second, Mr. Daniels the third, and Mrs. Isaac Lobo the fourth class; the pupils were questioned on the different branches of their instructions, the Bible, Daily Prayer book, Leeser’s and Cahen’s (translated) Catechisms, Pyke’s Scriptural Questions, and Peixotto’s Elementary Introduction to the Scriptures, to which they all readily replied, and gave general satisfaction; they afterwards chaunted several hymns and En Kelohanoo; Mrs. Finzi then addressed the children as follows:
“As this, our first examination, has ended, and I trust satisfactorily to your dear parents and our friends, I think it necessary I should make a few remarks, which I hope will tend to your future benefit. Although unusual, at quarterly examinations, to bestow premiums on the deserving, we have thought fit to do so in this instance, with the sincere hope that it will promote a farther and greater desire for emulation in your young hearts; these gifts are but trifling proofs of merit meeting with its reward; how much more may you expect in after-life, when you reflect, and feel that you have religiously and industriously fulfilled those duties pointed out to you by our Lawgiver and your parents; by adhering strictly to the tenets of our blessed religion, and the command of your elders, you will not err, for we are told in our holy Scriptures, “each seed produceth fruit after its kind;” so shall you all by diligently cultivating the seeds of obedience to God and your parents ultimately reap the fruit of peace and happiness here, and eternal bliss hereafter. I feel pleasure in saying, your kind teachers and myself are much gratified in perceiving the improvement you have made, and our best exertions will be used by patience and attention to give you farther instruction. There have been indulgences granted which I am called upon to state must cease, and which is, that no child shall be allowed to leave the room, or move about the school, except permission is asked. I am aware we shall at first find it difficult to keep the youngest quiet; but we must conquer them, for if we do not train them to obedience now, we shall have cause to regret it.—I shall feel farther gratified in hearing from yourselves, whether you have benefitted, and if you do not feel happier in being wiser and more learned in our religion than you were four months ago.—I will not detain you longer than to say, you have all my best wishes for your improvement; may God bless you, and continue to crown our undertaking with success.”
Mrs. Finzi having concluded, she distributed prizes to all according to their merits; the children appeared pleased, and the parents highly delighted with the improvement, and complimented the several teachers, Superintendant, and Secretary for the care they had bestowed on the children, so that in the short space of time that the institution had been established (say five months) they were able to reply correctly to the various questions put to them.
Sophia Daniels, Secretary.
Vestry Room, Barbadoes, August 4th. 1844.
June 14, 1844 A Letter describing the Congregation
Barbadoes, June 14, 1844.
Reverend and Dear Sir!
Should you not be in possession of any other and more satisfactory account of our people of this island, and you think this likely to interest either yourself, or the readers of your very useful periodical, it is entirely at your disposal. You will regret as much as myself, that nothing documentary can be at this day found within the archives of the Synagogue, that can establish the correct era of their original settlement in Barbadoes, or the country in Europe from which they emigrated hither. The want of this, as well as other desirable information, is doubtless owing to casualties of fire and hurricane, that have, in their frequent visitation through the country, more than once prostrated the sacred edifice of Bridgetown.
I had therefore to “reach it there, where seraphs gather immortality.” Here too time had worked its accustomed change “of growth and decay” since my last visit to the sacred spot: but it was familiar to my recollection. I quickly found myself beside the same venerable tomb before which I stood forty-three years ago, and, as now, deciphering with the same intense though boyish curiosity its much worn face. After some time spent in clearing and cleaning, I succeeded to make out the year of interment to be A. M. 5418 (1658). This is decidedly the oldest, and to all appearance the first stone laid in the ground; those neighbouring are —d Mercado, 5420, and Levi Resio, 5421 (1661). All intermediate to that of David Ralph Mercado, 1685, (which is of marble and in handsome preservation,) are of a very friable substance and are completely defaced and much broken. I am thus particular, in order to show that no mistake has been made in the first noticed. There is space at the back or commencement of the ground, which, although slabs have never been laid down, has, from every appearance, been filled up with mortal tenants, and oral testimony seems to corroborate the fact. This taken into consideration, we may add thirty years for residence and death, which would extend their first settlement to A. M. 5388, corresponding to 1628, or so long back as two hundred and sixteen years. John Payer, in his History of Barbadoes, (to which your inquiring mind has likely had access), speaks of Jews in 1680, as of long and settled residents of the island. He thus remarks of them: “Their testimony in courts of law had been long rejected, but a more enlightened policy prevailing over an unjust prejudice, they were now admitted, by a law passed for that purpose, to give their testimony in all civil suits, and not otherwise, upon the five books of Moses.” It would appear that they continued under similar disabilities till the administration of Sir Bevil Granville, in 1706, who, for the consideration of £200, granted them (though against the law) some other privileges, but what they were we are not informed. Their Hazanim have been from time immemorial elected through the vestry of the Portuguese Synagogue of London, and they have obtained their Hahamim through the same medium. The names of three or four are to be seen in the Beth ahayim.
The rebuilding of the Synagogue, which was destroyed by the hurricane of 2d Elul, 5591, (August 2d, 1831,) cost $14,000. The corner-stone was laid 20th March, 1832, and opened for consecration on the 9th March, 1833. The architects were Messrs. John Herbert, jr., and T. R. Wilkes. The committee appointed to superintend its erection (for whose activity, taste, and foresight, much praise is due) were Messrs. M. D’Azevedo, Myer Abrahams, D. M. C. Baesa, D. M. Lobo, and M. A. Finzi.
I am indebted to the latter gentleman for the order and minutiae of building, which are as follows:
It is built of rough native stone, with brick coins and jambs, and contrived outside to imitate squared freestone. It is thirty-seven feet high, fifty long, and forty wide; walls two feet thick, which receive great strength by the rounding of its angles, which are capped with censers, uniting a balustraded parapet all around. The windows in the upper part are eighteen in number, and lancet-shaped; those below are elliptic. A double flight of stone steps, on the north side, covered with a gothic hood, leads to the ladies’ gallery, which occupies three sides of the building, supported by ten gothic columns. The Hehal, Tebah, and Banca, are of mahogany; the benches of a wood called determer, very much resembling the above. The area is paved with alternate squares of white and black marble, and the ceiling painted in relief. The roof is peculiar, being formed of timber laid direct across with massive knees, or angles, of iron. The necessary current, which is three inches in ten feet, is given by blocking its beams. The whole is covered with sheet copper, the edges of which are lapped over ridges of plank running longitudinally down the roof, and these are capped with lead. The ceiling is attached immediately to the under side of the beams, so that the whole depth from the outer to the inner surface of the roof does not exceed eighteen inches.
The K. K. Nidhe Israel is not now, nor ever has been, a corporated body. It subsists purely by the tender mercies of “the powers that be.” They have to obtain license, by petition to the legislature of the island, to conduct their affairs, which grants its sanction to such constitutional laws of which it may approve. It is likewise necessary, should it be required to enforce payment of arrears due the Synagogue by any of its members, that the same go before the governor in council, who, according to the “ordinance made and provided,” “examine, conclude, and determine,” before a suit at law can take place. Every thing appertaining to the concerns of the congregation is conducted with much order, and the service performed with appropriate solemnity every alternate week. by Messrs. Edward Moses, Parnass, Abm. Finzi, and M. S. Daniels. The usual routine of worship is adhered to, and all offerings, as well as the prayers for government are said in the Spanish language. We may presume, therefore, from the intelligent and enlightened character of the present generation, that some more modern and consistent improvement will soon be resorted to.
I am, Reverend and dear sir, yours,
D. N. Carvalho.
[D. N. Carvalho was the father of S. N. Carvalho.]
Election of Parnaz 15 August 1847
Vestry Rooms, Sunday, 3d Elul, 5607; 15th August, 1847.
A meeting of the Contributing Members of the Kaal Kadoshe Nidhe Israel, was held in pursuance of By-Law 1st, and in conformity to summons, for the purpose of electing a Warden for the ensuing year. The poll-list was accordingly opened at 11 o’clock, and closed at 12, and E. A. Moses, Esq., was elected President for the ensuing year. At the close of the poll, M. Elkin, Esq., rose and said, it was gratifying to his feelings to notice the manner members had voted, not with common method merely to place their signatures, but that every gentleman on recording his name, powerfully remarked the great benefit the congregation had derived from past services of their respected Warden; he (Mr E.) felt assured he was sanctioned to use the name of every member present—with that of his own, to have embodied on the minutes of this day’s proceedings, “the great obligation the congregation owe to their tried advocate, Edward A. Moses, Esq., for the continued zeal he has ever evinced for the prosperity of the Kaal. That this feeling was not confined to themselves, was an additional pleasure to him; for he held in his hand a letter from an old, and he may say, staunch member, who was residing in St. Vincent, but desirous to record his name in favour of Mr. Moses; this letter was from our respected ex-Warden, D. M. Lobo, Esq. He asked, could there be a more marked testimonial? He (Mr. Elkin) regretted he could not use the letter as intended, to vote by proxy, but moved that it be placed on record.
Mr. M. C. D’Azevedo, felt pleasure to second the motion, and would add, that the remarks made by Mr. Elkin, were in accordance with his feelings.
By request of Mr. Elkin, Mr. S. E. Daniels, the honourary Secretary read the letter received from D. M. Lobo, Esq.
Mr. Valverde remarked, ill and debilitated as he felt, he came to the meeting to pay his tribute of approbation to his esteemed friend, Mr. Moses.
Mr. Daniels observed, it was most pleasing to his feelings, to hear and to witness the true and well merited eulogium paid his colleague; he used the word colleague, for our respected warden was ever ready in taking cheerfully his portion to perform the service in honour of the God of Israel.
The Warden said, in responding to the several remarks made by the gentlemen, he should say they overrated his humble services; yet it was pleasing to his mind that his past conduct had met their approbation; he was ever ready to devote himself to the welfare of the congregation, and the support of our holy religion, and that he felt conscious pride on seeing around him the tried, venerable, and trusty friends and guardians of the holy Synagogue. He must add, with one exception, all the true friends of the Synagogue in the Island, were here to support him, which was a happy earnest of their approval of his administration; he therefore felt it his duty to obey that summons, and at whatever sacrifice, was prepared to resume the presidential chair for the ensuing year. Ere he resumed his seat, it was due to his colleague, Mr. S. E. Daniels, to state the Kaal owed to him acknowledgments for his valuable and zealous services, in which the members acquiesced.
Mr. Daniels briefly returned thanks for the kind manner his name was introduced by the Warden; and assured the members while in health, his greatest delight would be to continue useful to the congregation.
Since the meeting, the Parnass has appointed Mr. M. C. D’Azevedo, Hatan Torah, and Mr. I. L. Brandon, Hatan Bereshith.
On the departure of Rev. Daniels, 13 June 1848
Kaal Kadesh Nidhe Israel.
Barbadoes, 12th Sivan, 5608,—12th June, 1848.
Dear Sir,
While on the eve of your departure for the United States, I beg leave on behalf of the congregation over which I preside, to offer their fervent and heartfelt acknowledgments of your deeply-valued and ever memorable services as officiating reader to our sacred Synagogue, for a series of years. In your withdrawal, we lose a valued limb of our holy, our tottering edifice! and I with deep and poignant regret feel that a worthy colleague in the sublime cause is torn from me, leaving me desolate indeed! God’s holy will be done!
<<303>>You, my dear friend, too well know the sad, the almost destitute position of our scattered funds—otherwise would this have been accompanied with a thousand dollars for the purchase of a testimonial of gratitude and esteem—unfortunately we have not twenty-five dollars at command, which, with the prospect of our heavy expenses and diminished support is awful to contemplate. On this painful subject we must bow resignedly! I know your pious and solicitous feelings, and your desire to decline accepting aught but this valedictory address.
Your exertions, example, and sacrifices to uphold and support our blessed Snoga, your ever prompt cheerfulness to officiate in the divine cause, are recorded in Heaven, where they will be acknowledged and rewarded a million-fold on your cherished offspring.
I cannot venture to express my personal feelings on taking my farewell.
You will never be forgotten by our sacred Snoga. May the Omniscient graciously bless you. May yourself, amiable partner, and family, enjoy felicity here, and eternal bliss hereafter. O may I further invoke that you attain the joyful consummation of your every wish. Amen. God be with you !
Believe me your faithful friend,
E. S. Moses
Par. Pr. K. K. N. I.
To S. E. Daniels, Esq.
Barbadoes, 13th Sivan, 5608, 13th June, 1848.
Dear Sir,
I have received your address on the part of the congregation, in acknowledgment of my services as officiating reader, to our sacred Synagogue for a series of fourteen years. At a moment, as it were, of my embarkation, I am unable to do more than to request you to receive for yourself, and to tender to the congregation, my grateful thanks for the high estimate they have been pleased to make of my services.
I never gave my humble aid to the congregation in the expectation that it would receive remuneration. A higher, a better, and a holier feeling influenced me. I was glad to be the instrument of performing any service for our beloved friends, and of aiding in any way, the sacred Synagogue. That those services are appreciated is sufficient to recompense me for all my efforts; I am more than recompensed.
Receive, clear friend, my best thanks for your personal aspirations on behalf of Mrs. Daniels and my beloved children. And now one word. The last and saddest—farewell! I leave Barbadoes with mingled feelings. Whether we are destined to meet again in time, is known only to the holy One of Israel. I shall, with my dear wife and little ones, cast many a thought on those esteemed friends we are leaving, and memory will summon back many a happy hour passed in our blessed Synagogue. That we may all increase in knowledge, virtue, and holiness, shall ever be the fervent prayer of
Your faithful friend,
S. E. Daniels.
Minutes January 28th 1844 - Opening a Sunday School
At a meeting held this day, 7th Sebat, 5604, or January 28th 1844, at the Mahamad room, K. K. N. I. pursuant to the call of Edward. A. Moses, P. P., at the request of the ladies of the Kaal, for the purpose of establishing a Jewish Sunday School; present as follows:
Edward A. Moses, P. P.; Messrs. Mosley Elkin, Moses C. D'Azevedo, Abraham Finsi, David N. Carvalho, Samuel E. Daniels, Solomon N. Carvalho, Jacob Lewis, Burnett Nathan;
Ladies.—Mrs. Sarah Lobo, Sen., Mrs. Daniel M. Lobo, Mrs. Sarah N. Carvalho, Mrs. Judith Finsi, Mrs. Sophia E. Daniels, Miss Carvalho, Miss Elkin, Miss Azevedo, Miss Rachel Carvalho, Miss Clara Carvalho, Miss Eliza Burnett, Miss Leah Lobo, Miss Sophia Carvalho;
Masters Elias and Benjamin Lindo, and eleven children of our K. K.
Mr. S. N. Carvalho was requested to act as Secretary.
The President opened the meeting with an appropriate address, explaining the object of its being assembled, &c. Mrs. Judith Finsi, the superintendent, then offered up to the Throne of Grace, a suitable prayer.
The minutes of the meeting held by the ladies of the congregation on last Sunday at Mrs. Finsi's residence, were then read.—The President rose, and in his usual comprehensive language, and feeling manner, expressed himself ready and willing to give every assistance and support to the ladies of the congregation in their blessed undertaking, the teaching the infant mind to praise God,—and proposed that the "minutes" just read, should be confirmed by the members of the Kaal Kadosh Nidhe Israel, seconded by M. C. D'Azevedo, Esq., and carried, nem. con.
The President then commenced an annual subscription, to which all the members present contributed. D. N. Carvalho, Esq., moved that a subscription independent of the annual and monthly subscriptions, be commenced for the purpose of creating the nucleus of a sinking fund, seconded by the President, and adopted. The President moved that notice be given by the Secretary, to all absent members of the K. K, of the establishment of this institution.
Mrs. J. Finsi requested that the President would kindly allow a copy of his address for the use of the society. Seconded by Mrs. D. M. Lobo,—which was assented to by the President.
The President voluntarily offered to to contribute such stationary as might be required for the use of the society.
Mrs. S. F. Daniels, proposed that the thanks of the society be tendered the President for this further mark of his well-meaning towards it, and also for the use of the Mahamad room, as a school-room, and for the handsome manner in which he consented that a copy of his address should be at their disposition,—and how gratifying it would be to her as secretary of the institution, to transcribe it,—on the first page of its archives,—seconded by Mrs. D. M. Lobo, and carried, nem. con.
Mrs. Finsi then read an exhortation which is intended should be pronounced weekly previous to commencement of instruction.—The President moved that a copy of these minutes be suspended in the Holy Synagogue for one month—seconded by S. E. Daniels, Esq. and carried.
David N. Carvalho, Esq., moved that the minutes of this meeting be transmitted to the Editors of the Jewish publications in America and England, to take such notice of as they may deem proper—seconded by the President, and carried, nem. con.
Miss Carvalho moved that the By-Laws be engrossed, and that the opening address and prayer be added, and published in pamphlet form, seconded Mrs. D. M. Lobo, and carried, nem. con.
The President moved that the institution be designated, שערי לימוד or "Gates of Learning," seconded by David N. Carvalho, Esq., and carried, nem. con.
Mrs. Judith Finsi moved that the thanks of the whole meeting be tendered to Miss Carvalho, as the promoter and foundress of this institution, and for her attention and solicitude in procuring the necessary books, &c.—Seconded by the President, and carried unanimously.
The meeting then adjourned to meet again in five minutes.
At the appointed time the meeting reassembled, when the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.
The chair was then vacated by the President, when S. E. Daniels, Esq. moved, seconded by D. N. Carvalho, that Mosley Elkin, Esq., be called to it. Whereupon M. Elkin, Esq., took the chair, and proposed that a vote of thanks be tendered E. A. Moses, Esq. for the able manner in which he fulfilled the duties of Chairman, seconded by M. C. D'Azevedo, Esq.,—carried.
E. A. Moses, P. P., in a short and suitable address acknowledged the honour that was done him in his having been placed in the Chair, and concluded by invoking the blessings of the Omnipotent on this glorious undertaking of the "Daughters of Israel."
S. N. Carvalho,
Hon. Secretary.
Officers
of the Barbadoes Jewish Sunday School,
Shangara Lemud, for the Present Year.
Mrs. Judith Finsi, Superintendent.
Mrs. Daniel M. Lobo, Treasurer.
Mrs. Sophia E. Daniels, Secretary.
Teachers.
Mrs. D. M. Lobo, First Class.
Miss Carvalho, Second Class.
Miss Clara Carvalho, Third Class.
Miss Belle Elkin, Fourth Class.
Election of Parnaz 1848 - Minutes
Barbadoes Kaal Kadosh Nidhe Israel.
5 Elul, 5608, or 3d Sept., 1848.
Pursuant to the by-law No. 1, of this congregation, a meeting was held at the vestry room at 12 o’clock this day for the election of a Parnas President for the ensuing year.
Mr. Isaac Valverde claimed exemption in consequence of his age.
Mr. Mozley Elkin proposed the re-election of Mr. E. A. Moses, fully describing the manifold benefits and advantages the gentleman has from time to time rendered to this congregation, entitling him to their highest praise and estimation, and promised to render all the support in his power.
Mr. Michael Isaacs addressed the Board expressive of his cordial concurrence in the proposal and sentiments of Mr. M. Elkin, from a firm assurance that they were the unanimous feelings of the community.
Mr. Isaac Valverde impressively remarked that his sentiments twelve months past expressed at the Board, might be repeated, since they were now the same. He felt quite assured that the services of the Warden would be hereafter rewarded in a higher tribunal.
The Warden, (Mr. E. A. Moses,) responded, assuring the members present of his inability to express his feelings, and of his maintaining unaltered the same sentiments to further our sacred institution. Through God’s blessing and their support, he had so far succeeded; and shattered as they at present were, they had necessarily to redouble their energies to maintain the holy cause. That by perseverance we were setting a proper example to the juvenile members; that the time would come when we should again be a flourishing community; then we should look back with delight to past exertions; and that he was equally ready and willing to devote himself as he had hitherto done in the sacred cause, confident of the support of those around him.
The poll list was closed, E. A. Moses, Esq., being duly elected to the presidential chair for the ensuing year.
The following gentlemen were nominated colleagues, as Bridegrooms of the Law.
Michael Isaacs, Esq., as Hatan Torah.
Joseph A. Brandon, Esq., as Hatan Bereshith.
Sunday, 23 December 2007
list of names not previously recorded
The following names were not recorded by Shilstone as having tombstones in the cemetery. The location is given as a co-ordinate, followed by the name and date.
7;1 DYAS SARAH LOPES DE ACOSTA 5441
EMANUEL CARCA 5453
HAIM KATZ
SARAH DE DAVID DE YSHAC DE MERCADO 5446
MOSES DE DAVID DE YSAAC DE MERCADO 5449
3;1 RACHEL SARAH SENIOR
3;2 ARON GABAY
3;3 MOZE RODRYGUES SOARES
2;1 ISHAK BAR NAFTALI
3;6 YSHACK RAFAEL PACHECO
4;2 YSHAK DEAZEVEDO
4;4 MOSEH BARUH HENRIQUES
4;7 ABRAHAM MOSEH SENIOR
5;1 VOZO VARAO ISHAK HENRYQUES
5;2 ABRAHAM GOMES HENRIQUES
5;3 DEBORAH BURGOS
5;4 DAVID BURGOS
5;6 DAVYD YEOSUSA
5;18 KOMER ISRAEL
6;2 DEBORAH BURGOS
6;3 RABBI AMNUEL BURGOS
6;4 MORDECAI BURGOS
6;5 ISHAC SERRANO
6;23 HANAH ALVARES 5466
7;2 ANTUNNES GABRIEL
7;3 A CASTANO 54..3
7;4 ESTER CASTANO 5448
7;7 SY DE PIZA 5444
7;20 MENDES 5444
7;21 DAVID ABARBANEL 5461
8;1 SARAH DE MERCADO 5449
8;2 DAVID RAPHAEL DE MERCADO 1685 5445
8;3 DAVID DE MERCADO 5457
8;4 SARAH MULHER 5450?
9;1 ANJO DE SIMHON 1726
9;3 ISHAK MENDEX 5454
9;4 HANAH MULHER 5454
9;7 EPHRAIM BURAK
9;8 FEIGA
9;9 SARAH BURGOS
9;10 HERSCH SILVER
9;12 SIMON ALTMAN
9;13 MOSHE ALTMAN
9;15 JOSEPH FRIEDMAN
9;16 JACOB H HERBST
9;20 ABRAHAM PACHECO 5472
10;11 RACHEL HENRIQUES 1705
10;25 ISHAC HAIM MELLADO 5474
11;13 SARAH RIBCA BUENA HENRIQUES 5759
11;23 DEBORAH ALTMAN
11;27 ELKA PILLERSDORF MEMORIAL
12;4 SARAH BERUCHA HENRIQUES 5495
12;9 JAHACOB BARUCH LOUZADA 5472
13;17 LOUIS SPEISMAN
13;18 MARY SPEISMAN
14;12 RAPHAEL..SARAH 5502 11 ABRIL
14;4 MOSEH NUNES 1702
14;05 ANJO JOSEPH MANUEL 5494
14;10 CATH RUBIN
14;14 ARON LOUIE KARP
14;15 MOTEL TRUSS
14;16 ABRAHAM WAJCHENDLER
15;11 MIRIAM LAJA BERNSTEIN
15;12 SRUL JACOB BERNSTEIN
15;13 SZOL BERNSTEIN
16;8 LAZAR GRTOSS
17;13 MULLER DE DANELL 5456
19;16 JAKUB JOSEF BORNSZTAJN
19;17 BARUH LOUZADA 27-10-1738 5499
19;18 DAVID BARUH LOUZADA 5501
19;15 MARKOVIC
20;1 MOZELY ELKIN INFANTS ISAAC,JOSEPH,DAVID LINDO
20;7 GUSTAV GETZEL FELDMAN
21;8 MOSES ARON STEINBOK
22;1 ADRIAN AARON SIMON
22;2 IANAI LAZAR
22;3 TONI LAZAR
23;4 CARLOTA SCHLESINGER
23;6 MIRIAM LINDO 1901 5662
23;09 JOAN REBECCA BENJAMIN
23;10 EDWARD ADRIAN BENJAMIN
24;1 MAXIMILIAN JOSEPH ALVAN
24;2 ANITA ORAN
24;3 ALDO L COHEN
7;1 DYAS SARAH LOPES DE ACOSTA 5441
EMANUEL CARCA 5453
HAIM KATZ
SARAH DE DAVID DE YSHAC DE MERCADO 5446
MOSES DE DAVID DE YSAAC DE MERCADO 5449
3;1 RACHEL SARAH SENIOR
3;2 ARON GABAY
3;3 MOZE RODRYGUES SOARES
2;1 ISHAK BAR NAFTALI
3;6 YSHACK RAFAEL PACHECO
4;2 YSHAK DEAZEVEDO
4;4 MOSEH BARUH HENRIQUES
4;7 ABRAHAM MOSEH SENIOR
5;1 VOZO VARAO ISHAK HENRYQUES
5;2 ABRAHAM GOMES HENRIQUES
5;3 DEBORAH BURGOS
5;4 DAVID BURGOS
5;6 DAVYD YEOSUSA
5;18 KOMER ISRAEL
6;2 DEBORAH BURGOS
6;3 RABBI AMNUEL BURGOS
6;4 MORDECAI BURGOS
6;5 ISHAC SERRANO
6;23 HANAH ALVARES 5466
7;2 ANTUNNES GABRIEL
7;3 A CASTANO 54..3
7;4 ESTER CASTANO 5448
7;7 SY DE PIZA 5444
7;20 MENDES 5444
7;21 DAVID ABARBANEL 5461
8;1 SARAH DE MERCADO 5449
8;2 DAVID RAPHAEL DE MERCADO 1685 5445
8;3 DAVID DE MERCADO 5457
8;4 SARAH MULHER 5450?
9;1 ANJO DE SIMHON 1726
9;3 ISHAK MENDEX 5454
9;4 HANAH MULHER 5454
9;7 EPHRAIM BURAK
9;8 FEIGA
9;9 SARAH BURGOS
9;10 HERSCH SILVER
9;12 SIMON ALTMAN
9;13 MOSHE ALTMAN
9;15 JOSEPH FRIEDMAN
9;16 JACOB H HERBST
9;20 ABRAHAM PACHECO 5472
10;11 RACHEL HENRIQUES 1705
10;25 ISHAC HAIM MELLADO 5474
11;13 SARAH RIBCA BUENA HENRIQUES 5759
11;23 DEBORAH ALTMAN
11;27 ELKA PILLERSDORF MEMORIAL
12;4 SARAH BERUCHA HENRIQUES 5495
12;9 JAHACOB BARUCH LOUZADA 5472
13;17 LOUIS SPEISMAN
13;18 MARY SPEISMAN
14;12 RAPHAEL..SARAH 5502 11 ABRIL
14;4 MOSEH NUNES 1702
14;05 ANJO JOSEPH MANUEL 5494
14;10 CATH RUBIN
14;14 ARON LOUIE KARP
14;15 MOTEL TRUSS
14;16 ABRAHAM WAJCHENDLER
15;11 MIRIAM LAJA BERNSTEIN
15;12 SRUL JACOB BERNSTEIN
15;13 SZOL BERNSTEIN
16;8 LAZAR GRTOSS
17;13 MULLER DE DANELL 5456
19;16 JAKUB JOSEF BORNSZTAJN
19;17 BARUH LOUZADA 27-10-1738 5499
19;18 DAVID BARUH LOUZADA 5501
19;15 MARKOVIC
20;1 MOZELY ELKIN INFANTS ISAAC,JOSEPH,DAVID LINDO
20;7 GUSTAV GETZEL FELDMAN
21;8 MOSES ARON STEINBOK
22;1 ADRIAN AARON SIMON
22;2 IANAI LAZAR
22;3 TONI LAZAR
23;4 CARLOTA SCHLESINGER
23;6 MIRIAM LINDO 1901 5662
23;09 JOAN REBECCA BENJAMIN
23;10 EDWARD ADRIAN BENJAMIN
24;1 MAXIMILIAN JOSEPH ALVAN
24;2 ANITA ORAN
24;3 ALDO L COHEN
REGARDING THE INSCRIPTIONS
The inscriptions posted here as images were recorded by Francisco Gavilan-Pineiro and Evan Millner during the restoration project in Barbados. They do not appear in Shilstone, and this is the first place they have been published.
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